My 6 month old lab started off great with retrieving bumpers. Now once he retrieves the bumper he wants to play with it, I'll reel him in with the lead and he will push on the ground with the bumper in order to attempt to keep it. He only gets bumpers when training, after each session they are put up to the next. Is this something that should break on its own over time? Or are there steps I should follow to try to change this behavior? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!
Noob training help
bphillips1589
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My 6 month old lab started off great with retrieving bumpers. Now once he retrieves the bumper he wants to play with it, I'll reel him in with the lead and he will push on the ground with the bumper in order to attempt to keep it. He only gets bumpers when training, after each session they are put up to the next. Is this something that should break on its own over time? Or are there steps I should follow to try to change this behavior? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!
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This is normal puppy stuff. Run him on a light 20-30 foot cord. My tike is going through this in a big way and just turned 7 mo. (Every pup I've had did this in some way. They are trying to train YOU to play "keep-away".) Some seem to out-grow it, but my current one isn't, so I got the Lardy Collar Conditioning video out last night. By 8 months, I plan to have her off a check cord.
Get one of the good training DVDs. Seeing a good trainer work with a dog is better than the forum. I like Lardy's Total Retriever Training, Marking, and Collar Conditioning. I hear good things about "Fowl Dogs" (but haven't watched them yet.) Likewise Farmer/Aycock's DVDs. Pick one and stick to it the best you can read your dog.
Have fun, you pup is!
Get one of the good training DVDs. Seeing a good trainer work with a dog is better than the forum. I like Lardy's Total Retriever Training, Marking, and Collar Conditioning. I hear good things about "Fowl Dogs" (but haven't watched them yet.) Likewise Farmer/Aycock's DVDs. Pick one and stick to it the best you can read your dog.
Have fun, you pup is!
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Mine doing same. Keep away. I will check out the DVD you mentioned. May come in handy for me too in the future
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I agree with the above mentioned, he's being a puppy. It will be cured once force fetch is complete though. I suggest Fowl Dawgs if you want a really good program to fallow. Rick does a great job if explaining and showing how to train.
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I agree with the first two suggestions. The third depends on the dog. Mine could train 3X/day - in short sessions - with LOTS of running time. Boundless energy and joy.
I gave her the Gaelic name Caoimhe Dubh (Black Keeva), but should have called her Cindy Lauper, 'cause girls just wanna have fun.
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I watched Fowl Dogs 1 last night. It's pretty good (though I guess I still prefer Lardy's). Pick your favorite and go with it.
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I agree with the earlier post. Force fetch will eliminate the problem. Right now as a pup don't be too concerned about taking the bumper as soon as he returns. It is more about building desire at this age. I just started with a 6 month old and have the same issue. Building that desire before you move to force fetch is very important.
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Thanks guys, I've been following The Duck Dog Basics, but of course not every single issue is covered. I train up to twice a day for very short sessions, and throw a few "hup hups" after. I figured it would work itself out just wanted some input from others.
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